Bhubaneswar: In view of the anticipated surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming Durga Puja and Diwali festivities, East Coast Railway (ECoR) has introduced special trains which will operate between Sambalpur and Santragachi to accommodate additional passengers and ensure a more comfortable journey during the festive season.
Sambalpur–Santragachi Special (08303) will depart from Sambalpur at 4:15 pm every Wednesday October 14 and 21, and arrive at Santragachi at 2:00 am the following day. In the return direction, Santragachi–Sambalpur Special (08304) will leave Santragachi at 7:05 pm every Thursday October 15 and 22, and reach Sambalpur at 7:45 am the following morning.
The special trains will stop at several important stations en route, including Rengali, Jharsuguda Junction, Rajgangpur, Raurkela, Chakradharpur, Tatanagar Junction, Kharagpur Junction and Ulubaria. Additional stoppages have also been provided at Bagdihi, Bamra, Garpos, Bisra, Manoharpur, Rajkharsawan Junction, Jhargram, Panskura and Bagnan to facilitate passenger convenience along the route.
Each special train will comprise 21 coaches, with the following composition: AC 3-Tier: 6 coaches, AC 2-Tier: 2 coaches, Sleeper Class: 7 coaches, General Class: 4 coaches, Luggage-cum-Generator-cum-Brake Van with Divyang-friendly facilities: 2 coaches.